Looking for a comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? This Creamy Chicken Hasselback is a delicious combination of tender chicken breasts, melted cheese, savory ham, garlic, Italian herbs, and a creamy sweet chili sauce.
I’m serving mine with carrots, broccoli, and brown rice, making it a hearty family dinner that’s both satisfying and simple.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 600 ml cream
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- Italian herbs, to taste
- Slices of ham
- Slices of cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make several deep cuts across each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. These cuts create the classic Hasselback effect and provide spaces for the ham and cheese.
2. Add the Ham and Cheese
Cut the ham and cheese into pieces that fit comfortably into the slices.
Carefully tuck a piece of ham and cheese into each cut in the chicken breasts.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, combine the cream, sweet chili sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Pour the creamy mixture over and around the stuffed chicken breasts.
4. Add the Herbs
Sprinkle Italian herbs generously over the chicken and sauce. Add a little black pepper and salt if needed, keeping in mind that the ham and cheese may already contain salt.
5. Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for approximately 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and your slow cooker, so use the internal temperature as the final guide.
6. Serve
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and spoon plenty of the creamy garlic and sweet chili sauce over the top.
Serve with your favorite vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, and brown rice make an excellent combination with this creamy chicken.
Tips for the Best Hasselback Chicken
- Don’t slice completely through the chicken breasts so the pieces remain intact.
- Use enough cheese to create plenty of melted, cheesy pockets.
- Italian herbs add extra flavor, but you can also use parsley, oregano, or a little thyme.
- If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, check their temperature before the four-hour mark.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices settle.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Hasselback is the kind of comforting meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for a family dinner. The combination of creamy garlic sauce, sweet chili, melted cheese, and ham gives the chicken plenty of flavor, while broccoli, carrots, and brown rice round out the meal beautifully.